Betis went to the top of the second division on Saturday night with a 2-0 victory over Compostela. Joaquín headed the first early on and substitute Amato added the second near the end.

Last week's leaders Sevilla could only draw the following day at Murcia and are now a point behind their city neighbours. Olivera gave them the lead, but Timpani levelled the scores later on.

Tenerife moved back ahead of Sevilla as well on goal average with a narrow 1-0 victory against Albacete, Barata getting the goal in the second half.

Salamanca made it a four horse race with a 2-0 win over struggling Elche, and they are three points behind the top group.

There is then a five point gap to the next two teams, Recreativo Huelva, who drew 1-1 against Badajoz, and Córdoba who beat Getafe 4-1.

Eibar and Sporting also won against the two bottom sides Lleida and Universidad to stay in touch.

Atlético Madrid slipped up again, throwing away a one goal lead against Levante the draw 1-1. They are now twelfth, some twelve points away from the promotion spots.

Elsewhere Leganés, beat Extremadura 0-3, and Racing Ferrol drew 1-1 with Jaén. (28.01.01)